Second Wild Migratory Bird H5 avian influenza detection

Samples from a Giant Petrel found on Bennetts Beach, Hawks Nest tested positive for H5 at the CSIRO's Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP).

This follows preliminary testing at the NSW Government's laboratory at Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute (EMAI).

A national surveillance plan is in operation monitoring for detections and facilitating rapid response.

The Giant Petrel was found following a report made by a member of the public.

Surveillance operations are continuing across the state, and the Emergency Animal Disease hotline covering call-ins on potential birds spotted by the public or non-government organisations has been operating since June.

There are no signs of any mass mortality in the area or anywhere else in NSW and surveillance is continuing so we can detect any further cases early.

Importantly, there have still been no detections of H5 in commercial poultry, native birds or any other animals in NSW, and the risk to human health remains low.

The State Coordination Centre has been operating at the Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development (DPIRD)'s Orange Agricultural Institute since 19 June 2026.

If you notice sick or dead birds or other animals, you should not touch them or get too close. Record your location and report it to the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) Hotline on 1800 675 888.

For more information visit: birdflu.gov.au

Acting Minister for Agriculture Yasmin Catley said:

"This is the second wild migratory bird to test positive however it is important to note that to date, H5 has not been detected in native birds or commercial poultry flocks in NSW.

"The detection of this bird demonstrates the Government's increased and targeted surveillance and monitoring program is working as intended.

"The NSW Government has been preparing for a situation like this, and we remain well equipped to manage further impacts. Our State Coordination Centre has been operating since June and we are continuing to work closely with the Commonwealth Government.

"If you encounter a suspected sick bird, avoid contact and report it immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline."

NSW Chief Veterinary Officer Jo Coombe said:

"This positive case is not unexpected, given the location and it shows that our enhanced surveillance is working.

"I would like to remind everyone that importantly, bird flu has not been detected in commercial poultry flocks, captive birds or any other birds native to NSW.

"We are continuing to work closely with Australian and State and Territory governments plus industry, agriculture and wildlife organisations. The risk to human health remains low.

"I would like to thank the public for their vigilance in avoiding contact with sick or dead wildlife and their environment, recording what they are seeing and reporting any unusual sickness or mortality to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline.

"Our surveillance operations with Local Land Services and National Parks and Wildlife Service field officers are underway and use innovative spatial mapping tools, decision-support systems and response databases to enable rapid and targeted action."